Bengaluru College Ragging Scandal: 23 Seniors Booked for Forcing Juniors to Buy Alcohol and Cigarettes

‘Forced to bring alcohol, cigarettes’: 23 booked for ragging juniors at Bengaluru college

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A disturbing case of ragging in college has once again shaken the education system in India. In a chilling incident at a private college in Devanahalli, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, 23 senior students have been booked for allegedly subjecting their juniors to brutal hazing—forcing them to buy alcohol and cigarettes, and even assaulting them with weapons. The situation escalated so severely that when the college’s Admin Head tried to intervene, he too was attacked. Three students are already in custody, while authorities are hunting down the remaining suspects.

Shocking Incident at Devanahalli College

According to police reports, the incident unfolded over several days, during which a group of senior students allegedly coerced first-year students into procuring alcohol and cigarettes for them. When some juniors resisted or failed to comply, they were reportedly beaten with rods and other objects. The violence reached a tipping point when the college’s administrative head stepped in to stop the abuse—only to be physically assaulted himself.

This brazen act of defiance against authority underscores the toxic culture that can sometimes fester in educational institutions when oversight is weak. Local police acted swiftly, registering a case under the Karnataka Prohibition of Ragging Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those related to assault and criminal intimidation.

What Is Ragging in College—and Why It Matters

Ragging in college isn’t just “harmless initiation.” It’s a form of systemic bullying that can lead to severe psychological trauma, academic disengagement, and—in extreme cases—suicide. The University Grants Commission (UGC) defines ragging as any act of indulgence in misconduct that causes physical or mental harm to a fresher or junior student.

Common forms include:

  • Forcing juniors to perform humiliating tasks
  • Demanding money, alcohol, or other items
  • Verbal abuse, threats, or sexual harassment
  • Physical assault or confinement

In this Bengaluru case, the demand for alcohol and cigarettes crossed into extortion territory, while the use of weapons elevated it to a criminal offense. Such incidents erode trust in the very institutions meant to nurture young minds.

Following the complaint, Bengaluru Rural Police launched an immediate investigation. So far, three students have been arrested, and efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining 20 accused. All 23 face serious charges, including:

  • Section 323 IPC (voluntarily causing hurt)
  • Section 506 IPC (criminal intimidation)
  • Section 341 IPC (wrongful restraint)
  • Karnataka Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1999

If convicted, the students could face imprisonment, fines, and permanent expulsion from the institution. The college itself may also come under scrutiny for failing to enforce anti-ragging protocols mandated by the UGC.

For context, India’s national anti-ragging helpline (1800-180-5522) receives thousands of complaints annually. Yet, many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation—a reality that makes proactive enforcement critical. You can learn more about national guidelines on the UGC’s official anti-ragging portal.

How Common Is Ragging in Indian Colleges?

Despite strict laws and awareness campaigns, ragging in college remains a persistent issue across India. According to data from the National Anti-Ragging Helpline, over 7,000 complaints were registered between 2018 and 2023, with engineering and medical colleges reporting the highest incidence rates.

While many institutions have implemented mandatory anti-ragging affidavits and orientation sessions, enforcement often lags. Cultural normalization of “senior-junior” hierarchies, combined with inadequate monitoring, creates fertile ground for abuse. The Bengaluru case is a stark reminder that policy alone isn’t enough—vigilance from faculty, parents, and students is essential.

What Students and Parents Can Do

If you or someone you know is experiencing ragging, here’s what you can do:

  1. Report immediately: Use the national anti-ragging helpline (1800-180-5522) or file a complaint online at antiragging.in.
  2. Document everything: Save messages, photos, or witness accounts as evidence.
  3. Inform college authorities: Every institution must have an Anti-Ragging Committee—contact them directly.
  4. Seek support: Talk to counselors, trusted teachers, or family members. You’re not alone.

Parents should maintain open communication with their children and educate them about their rights. Colleges, meanwhile, must move beyond token compliance and foster a culture of respect and accountability. [INTERNAL_LINK:student-safety-on-campus] offers more resources on campus security and student well-being.

Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

The Devanahalli college incident is more than just a local crime—it’s a symptom of a deeper cultural problem. While the arrest of three students is a step forward, true justice requires systemic change: better monitoring, stronger consequences, and a collective refusal to tolerate abuse in the name of “tradition.” As long as ragging in college is dismissed as a rite of passage, students will remain at risk. It’s time to treat it for what it is: a criminal act with no place in education.

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